UK Landlord Forum / Life

Hi there,

In 2017 I've rented my property to a  council under "guaranteed rent" scheme for two years. The council offered to house to a single mother with three kids, when I realized how the place was turned into a slum, I decided not to renew the lease. As per the council procedure three months notice was submitted to them, tenant was served with a two months notice, as required by the law. 

However, two weeks before end of contract, I was informed by the council I need to resort to court to evict my tenant since they can not find a property to move her due to lack of properties offered to them (she told me she has rejected an offer for a property in an area she didn't like) . I need to know where I stand legally, bearing in mind I will be homeless myself since I did not renew my rent thinking I will be moving back to my place. Will the court side the tenant being a single mom with three kids. Can she keep rejecting offers of properties she does not like. Any tips, help  or advices are much appreciated. . Thank you

Oh dear. I'm not an expert but it looks like you will have to go through the Courts to gain possession. The Council have no motivation to move the family so you're really at their mercy. I do feel it's worth keeping communications open and civilised while going through the required process of eviction.

Thanks eps501 for your reply. For me things got more complicated after learning notice I've served to the tenant is void for being sent by email and not delivered by either registered mail or by hand, which iI find diculous, we're in the 21 century.

This is true and there are other conditions that could make your notice void, have you checked those just to be thorough?

And to rub salt into the wound 🥵😤😢, since I was dealing directly with the Council,  all required documents, most importantly Gas Safety certificate, were handed to them and not tenant, who I was informed of her identity the day she moved in. I'm stuck 😿